Zach Hyman, the veteran forward for the Edmonton Oilers, has become a symbol of perseverance and determination throughout the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In a recent conversation with the media, Hyman shed light on a defining trait that has emerged within the Oilers’ locker room this postseason — the team’s growing reputation for coming from behind and winning games under immense pressure. It’s a narrative that resonates with fans, embodies the heart of playoff hockey, and illustrates the mental toughness required to compete for the most coveted trophy in professional hockey.
The Oilers have faced their fair share of adversity this postseason. Whether dealing with early deficits, defensive breakdowns, or challenging matchups, they have repeatedly shown an uncanny ability to regroup, refocus, and claw their way back into games. Hyman attributes much of this resilience to a shared mentality within the team — one that refuses to panic, even when the scoreboard seems unfavorable. For Hyman and his teammates, the belief that they can win in any situation is not just talk; it’s a mindset forged from experience, trust, and a deep understanding of each other’s roles on the ice.
Coming from behind in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is no easy feat. The intensity of playoff hockey, the narrowed margins, and the elevated stakes all amplify the difficulty of mounting comebacks. Yet, the Oilers have done it multiple times, and each comeback has further fueled their belief. Hyman explained that much of it starts on the bench, where vocal leadership, tactical adjustments, and unwavering belief combine to keep the team focused on the task at hand. “We’ve been in those situations before,” Hyman noted. “We don’t get rattled. We know what we’re capable of, and we trust the process.”
One of the key contributors to this resilience has been the veteran leadership within the Oilers’ roster. Players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Hyman himself have been through many playoff battles. Their composure in high-pressure moments provides a steadying influence on the younger players, allowing the team to maintain its structure and poise even when chasing the game. Hyman emphasized the importance of having players who can lead by example — not just through words, but through actions on the ice, whether it’s a timely forecheck, a blocked shot, or a shift that swings momentum.
Another factor Hyman highlighted is the team’s improved ability to adapt mid-game. Under head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers have shown tactical flexibility, whether it’s tweaking line combinations, changing breakout strategies, or exploiting mismatches. These in-game adjustments have often played a crucial role in turning the tide of contests. Hyman praised the coaching staff for their preparation and ability to make smart, timely decisions, which instill confidence in the players and give them the tools to succeed even when behind on the scoreboard.
But at the heart of it all, Hyman stressed, is the team’s belief in one another. “We know that if we play our game, we can come back against anyone,” he said. “It’s not about trying to score three goals on one shift — it’s about winning the next shift, then the next one after that. Eventually, the goals come.” This shift-by-shift focus has been a key part of the Oilers’ playoff identity, allowing them to chip away at deficits rather than crumble under pressure.
Hyman’s own performance has mirrored the team’s gritty mentality. Known for his relentless work ethic and net-front presence, he has been instrumental in key comeback moments. His ability to win battles along the boards, create second-chance opportunities, and draw penalties has helped tilt the ice in the Oilers’ favor at critical junctures. Moreover, his chemistry with linemates has allowed the Oilers to sustain offensive pressure and generate the kind of high-danger chances that are crucial in the playoffs.
The mental toughness needed to come back in games also comes from experience. Hyman pointed to past playoff runs, both successful and disappointing, as foundational learning moments. “You remember the games where you gave up, and you remember the games where you pushed through,” he said. “That becomes part of who you are as a team.” For the Oilers, those lessons have translated into a team that never feels out of a game, regardless of the score.
Hyman also credited the fans in Edmonton for playing a role in the team’s resilience. The energy at Rogers Place has been electric throughout the postseason, and the home crowd’s unwavering support has helped galvanize the team during crucial moments. “You hear them, you feel that energy, especially when we score that first goal to get back in it,” Hyman said. “It lifts everyone.” The connection between the team and its fanbase has created an atmosphere where comebacks feel not just possible but inevitable.
Of course, resilience isn’t just about the offense. The Oilers’ goaltending and defensive units have stepped up in big moments, often holding the line long enough for the offense to find its rhythm. Whether it’s a big save late in the second period or a cleared puck during a tense penalty kill, these moments matter just as much as the goals that follow. Hyman was quick to point out that the entire team — from the goalie out — contributes to the comeback mindset. “It’s all connected. A huge save can change everything. It’s a spark,” he said.
As the Oilers continue their Stanley Cup quest, their ability to remain composed under pressure could prove to be their defining characteristic. Comeback wins not only boost confidence, but they also sow doubt in the minds of opponents. Hyman knows that teams now expect the Oilers to push back hard, regardless of the score, and that psychological edge can be just as valuable as any tactical one. “Other teams know we’re not going away,” he said. “That changes how they play, and that gives us an opening.”
With the playoffs still unfolding, Hyman and the Oilers are focused on staying in the moment. There’s no looking too far ahead, no underestimating any opponent, and certainly no complacency. Each game brings its own challenges, and each comeback requires a new effort. But with a foundation built on trust, work ethic, and belief, the Oilers have proven that they have the tools to battle through adversity — and come out on top.
In reflecting on what makes this Oilers team different, Hyman returned to one simple idea: belief. “It’s something you build,” he said. “It doesn’t happen overnight. But when you have a group that truly believes in one another, you can overcome a lot.” For Edmonton fans and players alike, that belief is turning into results — one comeback win at a time.
As the Oilers push deeper into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, their identity as a team that never quits is becoming clearer with each passing game. Zach Hyman’s words are not just reflections of past success but a window into the mindset of a team that is poised for more. In a postseason defined by grit, resolve, and unrelenting effort, the Edmonton Oilers are proving that no deficit is too large, no moment too daunting, and no game out of reach.
